This set of Computer Organization and Architecture Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Caches”.
1. The reason for the implementation of the cache memory is ________
a) To increase the internal memory of the system
b) The difference in speeds of operation of the processor and memory
c) To reduce the memory access and cycle time
d) All of the mentioned
View Answer
Explanation: There is a significant difference in speeds of operation of the processor (GHz) and the main memory due to which processor has to wait un-necessarily for the instruction and data to be fetched from the memory. This wastes a lot of CPU cycles. If we bring these data into the a staging buffer or cache, the processor can continue to operate, thereby increasing the program execution time significantly.
“The difference in speeds of operation of the processor and memory” is the main reason or the trigger for the implementation of cache memory. “reducing memory access and cycle time” is one of the benefits of cache memory, rather than the primary reason for its implementation. Out of the 4 choices given, we have to choose only one and hence “The difference in speeds of operation of the processor and memory” is most appropriate.
2. The effectiveness of the cache memory is based on the property of ________
a) Locality of reference
b) Memory localisation
c) Memory size
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer
Explanation: This means that the cache depends on the location in the memory that is referenced often.
3. The temporal aspect of the locality of reference means ________
a) That the recently executed instruction won’t be executed soon
b) That the recently executed instruction is temporarily not referenced
c) That the recently executed instruction will be executed soon again
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer
Explanation: None.
4. The spatial aspect of the locality of reference means ________
a) That the recently executed instruction is executed again next
b) That the recently executed won’t be executed again
c) That the instruction executed will be executed at a later time
d) That the instruction in close proximity of the instruction executed will be executed in future
View Answer
Explanation: The spatial aspect of locality of reference tells that the nearby instruction is more likely to be executed in future.
5. The correspondence between the main memory blocks and those in the cache is given by _________
a) Hash function
b) Mapping function
c) Locale function
d) Assign function
View Answer
Explanation: The mapping function is used to map the contents of the memory to the cache.
6. The algorithm to remove and place new contents into the cache is called _______
a) Replacement algorithm
b) Renewal algorithm
c) Updation
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer
Explanation: As the cache gets full, older contents of the cache are swapped out with newer contents. This decision is taken by the algorithm.
7. The write-through procedure is used ________
a) To write onto the memory directly
b) To write and read from memory simultaneously
c) To write directly on the memory and the cache simultaneously
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer
Explanation: When write operation is issued then the corresponding operation is performed.
8. The bit used to signify that the cache location is updated is ________
a) Dirty bit
b) Update bit
c) Reference bit
d) Flag bit
View Answer
Explanation: When the cache location is updated in order to signal to the processor this bit is used.
9. The copy-back protocol is used ________
a) To copy the contents of the memory onto the cache
b) To update the contents of the memory from the cache
c) To remove the contents of the cache and push it on to the memory
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer
Explanation: This is another way of performing the write operation, wherein the cache is updated first and then the memory.
10. The approach where the memory contents are transferred directly to the processor from the memory is called ______
a) Read-later
b) Read-through
c) Early-start
d) None of the mentioned
View Answer
Explanation: None.
Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Computer Organisation and Architecture.
If you find a mistake in question / option / answer, kindly take a screenshot and email to [email protected]
- Check Computer Science Books
- Practice Information Technology MCQs
- Practice BCA MCQs
- Check Computer Organization and Architecture Books
- Practice Computer Science MCQs
